Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Russell M. Nelson Dies at 101

Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has passed away at the age of 101. Church officials confirmed his death occurred peacefully at his home in Salt Lake City shortly after 10 p.m. MDT on Saturday night. Nelson was the oldest president in the church’s history and had served as its leader since his calling on January 14, 2018.

In a statement released following his death, Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, expressed the profound impact Nelson had on those around him. Oaks reflected, “All of us who have worked with Russell M. Nelson, and the many he has taught and associated with, have marveled at his extraordinary modesty for a man of his great accomplishments.” He continued to describe Nelson as “the gentlest and sweetest person you could ever hope to associate with.”

Born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Nelson was a devoted family man. He and his late wife, Dantzel White, had ten children, 57 grandchildren, and over 100 great-grandchildren. Following Dantzel’s passing, Nelson married Wendy L. Watson, and in December 2020, he became a great-great-grandfather.

A Legacy in Medicine and Faith

Before assuming the presidency, Nelson’s career was marked by significant accomplishments in the field of medicine. He was a renowned surgeon and medical researcher, earning his medical degree from the University of Utah. He played a pivotal role in the development of the heart-lung machine and conducted the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955. As noted by Dr. Craig Selzman, Surgical Director of the Cardiac Mechanical Support and Heart Transplant program at the University of Utah, “He was a part of that history, of what we all today just take for absolute granted.”

Nelson’s contributions to medicine extended beyond surgery. He served as a research professor of surgery and director of the Thoracic Surgery Residency at the University of Utah. He was also chairman of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. His military service included a two-year medical tour of duty with the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the Heart of Gold from the American Heart Association and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Utah.

In addition to his medical career, Nelson held various leadership positions within the Church. He served as stake president of the Bonneville Stake from 1964 to 1971 before becoming the general president of the Sunday School. In April 1984, he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a position he held until becoming president. Throughout his leadership, he consistently encouraged members to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Transforming the Church

As president, Nelson made significant changes within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of his first major announcements was the decision to discontinue the use of the nickname “Mormon,” which the Church had embraced for nearly two centuries, in favor of a stronger emphasis on the name “Jesus Christ.”

Under his leadership, the Church saw increased access to its temples. Nelson announced the construction of over 100 new temples, a record number for any president before him, with several located in Utah. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to growth and spiritual development within the Church community.

Nelson’s passing marks the end of an era for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His legacy as a leader, surgeon, and devoted family man will be remembered by many who were touched by his life and teachings.